JOC Estimator

We are hiring a JOC Estimator to support Job Order Contracting (JOC) projects across the Greater Houston Area. This role is focused on construction estimating and pre-construction services, supporting fast-paced renovation, repair, and small-to-medium projects for public sector and commercial clients. This position is ideal for candidates with experience in estimating and unit price contracting, or those looking to specialize in the JOC delivery method. This position requires a highly proactive individual who is comfortable with constant communication, subcontractor outreach, and bid solicitation to ensure accurate and competitive pricing. We are looking for a high-output JOC Estimator who knows how to drive numbers, chase bids, and win work. You will be expected to own the bid process, stay in constant communication, follow up aggressively, and build real relationships with subcontractors across the Houston market.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

• 3-5+ years of experience in construction estimating, takeoffs, and pre-construction

• Experience with JOC (Job Order Contracting) or unit price contracting

• Experience with RSMeans, Gordian, eConverge, or similar Unit Price Books 

• Strong math, analytical, and problem-solving skills

• Proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, and/or takeoff software

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications

• Strong communication skills with the ability to confidently engage subcontractors and drive bid participation well before proposal deadline

Preferred:

• Experience with municipal/public sector, educational, and healthcare projects

• Experience with IDIQ / JOC construction contracts

• Familiarity with cooperative purchasing programs (e.g., Choice Partners)

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously 

• Strong negotiation and client-facing skills

• Familiarity with Houston-area subcontractor pricing and market conditions

• Knowledge of scheduling tools, a plus

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Estimating & Pre-construction (Primary Focus):

• Prepare detailed cost estimates using JOC Unit Price Books (UPB / RSMeans / Gordian / eConverge) 

• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, and field measurements

• Develop line-item pricing proposals in accordance with JOC contract requirements

• Participate in joint scope meetings with clients and internal teams

• Analyze scope of work and identify missing or incomplete information

• Build and maintain detailed estimate backups and cost documentation

• Ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, and compliant with contract guidelines

• Identify scope gaps and solve them before they become problems

• Maintain and update cost databases and historical pricing

Subcontractor & Vendor Outreach (High Emphasis):

• Perform consistent outbound communication with subcontractors via calls, emails, and bid invitations 

• Actively solicit bids from qualified subcontractors and vendors across multiple trades

• Follow-up persistently to ensure timely and complete bid coverage

• Motivate subcontractors to meet deadlines and deliver complete scopes

• Level and analyze subcontractor proposals for accuracy and completeness 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Houston-area subcontractors

• Expand and manage a reliable subcontractor network to support ongoing JOC opportunities

• Consistently calls, tracks, closes gaps prior to deadlines making certain bid coverage is across all trades

Client & Team Coordination:

• Support proposal development and revisions based on client feedback/internal team

• Lead proactive communication with clients and subcontractors to ensure clear scope definition, strong subcontractor engagement, and delivery of complete, competitive estimates

• Assist with scope clarification during pre-construction phases

CORE TECHNICAL SKILLS & PROGRAMS:

JOC / Estimating Platforms:

• Gordian (eGordian) – JOC project pricing and proposal development

• Unit Price Book (UPB) – strong understanding of line-item pricing and modifiers

• RSMeans Data Online – supplemental estimating reference

• Coefficient-based pricing and cost factor adjustments

Software/Reporting Tools:

• Procore – project tracking, RFIs, submittals

• Bluebeam, and/or takeoff software

• Microsoft Excel – advanced (cost tracking, proposal analysis, pivot tables)

• Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams / Microsoft Outlook

Pre-construction & Field Tools:

• Scope development and detailed line-item estimating

• Subcontractor solicitation and bid leveling

• Plan reading (architectural, civil, MEP)

Work Environment:

• Combination of office and occasional field work (site visits)

• Deadline-driven estimating environment with high-volume subcontractor coordination and outreach

How to Apply:

Apply HERE or on Indeed. If you’ve got experience chasing bids, building coverage, and driving numbers, we want to hear from you! Submit your resume along with a brief summary of your JOC experience and relevant projects. Please NO phone calls.